MacNab Cypress

(Cupressus macnabiana)

MacNab Cypress (Cupressus macnabiana)

Identifying Characters: The circular glandular dots with white resin on the scale-like leaves are distinctive as well as the northern range of the species.

Similar Species: Baker Cypress is very similar to MacNab Cypress and both occur in northern California. The bark of Baker Cypress is smooth, red-brown, sometimes peeling in thin, curled plates. The bark of MacNab Cypress is rough, gray, fibrous, and broken by furrows. The cones of Baker Cypress are 0.3 to 0.75 inches in diameter while those of MacNab Cypress are larger at 0.75 to 1 inch. The range of Baker Cypress is generally more northern and central than that of MacNab Cypress.

Measurements: A relatively small tree ranging from 20 to 30 feet in height and with a spreading crown; diameter at breast height about 1 foot.

Cones: Cones 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter,brown or gray; 6 to 8 irregular cone scales with a strong, raised spine.

Leaves: Leaves opposite in 4 rows, about 1/16 inch in length; scale-like leaves gray-green with a prominent glandular pit exuding a white resin.

Bark: Bark rough, gray, fibrous, and broken by furrows.

Native Range: MacNab Cypress is found in the mountains of northern California including the coastal ranges and the Sierra Nevada.

Habitat:  MacNab Cypress is typically found in dry, rocky soils in the lower foothills of moutains, particularly in chaparral habitats.